Electron is the home of the Electron Hydroelectric Project. This project was started in 1903 to harness the Puyallup River for power generation. Completed in 1904, the Electron Hydroelectric Project has a small dam that diverts water from the Puyallup River down a 10.2 mile wooden flume to the powerhouse. A rail line was built on top of the flume to aid in maintenance. The flume is one of the longest in the United States for power generation, and the railway is known as "the crookedest railway in the world."
Today, the Electron Hydroelectric Project is operated and maintained by 7 people. The powerhouse generates 26 megawatts of electricity. This can provide power to about 20,000 homes.
View of completed flume, showing curve construction. Power line in the background
The Puyallup River is feed by several glaciers on Mount Rainier; Puyallup Glacier, Tahoma Glacier, Edmunds Glacier, South Mowich Glacier, and North Mowich Glacier. The river runs through steep and narrow gorges carved by past glaciers. The river is also heavy in silt and gravel from the glacial melt. As this debris drops out of the river sand and gravel bars form causing the river to become complexly braided and meandering.
About the cache:
This cache is located at a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp that existed here in 1934. Permission has been granted to visit this historic site without a permit. The property management asks that you be respectful of the site.
2016 was the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, and to celebrate, Visit Rainier and WSGA hosted the Visit Rainier Centennial GeoTour - 100 caches placed in and around Mount Rainier National Park. The geocaches highlighted the rich history, scenic wonders, quaint communities, and hidden gems of the Rainier region. Participants received geocoin and pathtag prizes for finding all the caches.
